U.S.A. swimming suspends Phelps from all competition for six months

U.S.A. swimming has reportedly suspended American swimming great Michael Phelps from all competition for six months following his drink-driving arrest.

Police stopped Phelps after he was caught travelling at 84 miles-per-hour in a 45 miles-per-hour zone in Baltimore, Maryland, on 30 September.

Phelps, who won a record 18 Olympic gold medals between 2004 and 2012, apologised before announcing that he was taking a break from the sport, The BBC reported.

The American swimmer will also not take part in the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia. Although his ban ends on 6 April, 2015, USA Swimming has said that Phelps would not be chosen to represent the United States team at next August's championships.

Phelps has also had his funding withdrawn for the length of his ban. He retired after the London Games but returned to competition in April.

Phelps was previously charged with driving under the influence in Maryland in 2004. He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in exchange for 18 months' probation, the report added.